Permit applications
Employers preparing a General Employment Permit or Contract for Services application
What you get
- A check of whether an LMNT is needed or an exemption applies
- Drafting the advert text so it contains every required detail
- Guidance on posting with JobsIreland/EURES and choosing a second online platform
About this service
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Only
The Labour Market Needs Test shows that an employer tried to fill a job from within the EEA before offering it to a non-EEA national. Most General Employment Permits and Contract for Services permits need one, and a single mistake in the adverts can lead to a refusal. With this service we run or check the LMNT for you, so your advertising is compliant and ready for your permit application, whether you file the permit yourself or with us later.
€750
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
5
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Filing it yourself
Employers who want to file the permit themselves but need the advertising done correctly
After an LMNT refusal
Employers whose previous permit was refused because of the LMNT
At a glance
The rules in detail
01
Where to advertise
Advertise the vacancy with the Department of Social Protection's Employment Services/EURES network (JobsIreland), plus one other online platform whose main purpose is publishing job offers
02
28 consecutive days
Both adverts must run for at least 28 consecutive days
03
What the advert must say
Each advert must include the job description, the employer's name, the minimum annual remuneration, the work location(s) and the hours of work
04
No changes
Adverts can't be amended or extended during the 28 days
05
90-day window
The permit application must be made within 90 days of the adverts first appearing (120 days for third-level institutions)
Our promise
What's included
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Only
€750
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 5 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm whether an LMNT is needed for the role.
- 2Step 2
We draft the adverts and agree the posting dates with you.
- 3Step 3
The adverts run for 28 consecutive days, and we keep track of the evidence.
- 4Step 4
We check the evidence pack and the deadline for your permit application.
- Step 5
You apply within 90 days, or we prepare the permit application for you as a separate service.
Good to know
Our fee
€750 VAT included. There's no government fee for the LMNT itself, though some job boards charge for adverts.
Exemptions
Critical Skills occupations, salaries of €68,911 or more, Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland recommendations, carers already caring for a person with exceptional medical needs, and some workers made redundant within the previous 6 months.
No print adverts
Since the Employment Permits Act 2024, adverts in print media are no longer required.
Critical Skills
Critical Skills Employment Permits never need an LMNT.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is the advertising process an employer must complete before applying for most General Employment Permits and Contract for Services permits. Its purpose is to show that the job couldn't be filled by someone from Ireland, the EU or the wider EEA before it's offered to a non-EEA national. Under the rules in force since the Employment Permits Act 2024, the vacancy must be advertised with the Department of Social Protection's Employment Services and EURES network (through JobsIreland) and on one other online job platform, both for at least 28 consecutive days. Print adverts are no longer required. Each advert must include the job description, the employer's name, the minimum annual pay, the work location and the hours. The permit application must then be made within 90 days of the adverts first appearing. Several exemptions apply, including Critical Skills occupations, jobs paying €68,911 or more and roles recommended by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland. Critical Skills Employment Permits never need an LMNT.
Your permit application must be made within 90 days of the adverts first appearing, or 120 days for third-level institutions.
No. Adverts can't be amended or extended during the 28 days. A mistake usually means starting again, which is why we check the text first.
The test exists to show the job couldn't be filled from within the EEA, so suitable EEA applicants should be considered. We'll advise you on keeping a record of the recruitment process.
No. Change-of-employer applications under the 2024 Act don't need an LMNT.
Yes. Each role needs its own compliant adverts, but we can manage several at the same time and track each deadline.
Ready when you are
Get started with Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Only
€750
€750
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Only